Growth in Spanish pool sector steadies at around 5% in 2022

The pool and wellness industry has seen its growth stabilise, closing 2022 with a 5.2% increase in turnover, according to the latest Sector Barometer presented by ASOFAP, the Spanish pool industry association, during the 4th Piscina & Wellness Forum held on 1-2 December. The event, which brought in over 450 professionals to the headquarters of the Architects’ Association of Madrid (COAM), saw the unveiling of the latest products and solutions from 20 leading companies, plus the discussion of issues related to improving sustainability and efficiency at aquatic facilities.

In the second half of the year, most companies within the industry had recorded a 10% increase in turnover, thus allowing stabilisation of the annual growth rate, which settled at 5.24%. These figures are a testament to the industry’s strength, along with its weight in the Spanish economy, revealing a gradual return to normality after the extraordinary growth in 2021, led above all by the boom in new pool construction for family use that took place during the pandemic.

54.8% of companies in the industry reported to be satisfied with the good pace of business, which had improved with respect to the first half of 2022. The construction of new facilities contributed 37% to these figures, followed by maintenance (35.8%) and the refurbishment (27%) of the existing pool stock, noting that the equipment most requested by customers were saline electrolysis units, followed by robotic pool cleaners, covers, LED lighting, and dosing and control systems.

In this regard, the main trends in demand clearly point to a greater concern for sustainability through the pool product value chain, especially with regard to energy efficiency. Similarly, the application of “smart” water savings systems, more efficient pumps or waste control systems are now essential requirements both in new builds and renovations. These needs are in addition to others more aesthetically related, high-quality materials, and “smart” digitalised systems to make pool maintenance easier.

As for industry professionals, they are expressing less confidence in the future than they did one year ago. Their main concerns arise from the global economic situation, rising prices and the precarious supply of materials, as well as the lack of qualified personnel.

Sustainability and professionalisation, among the main challenges
The round-table sessions held at the Piscina & Wellness Forum were the site of discussions that specifically addressed the main issues in today’s market. Among other conclusions, the experts highlighted the importance of enhancing the collaboration between architects, developers and pool builders as one of the pillars to achieving the maximum sustainability of aquatic facilities in all processes, optimising energy efficiency and empowering the reasonable consumption of resources. In addition, there was a focus on the urgent need for professional training that is more contextualised for the industry’s needs and which can meet its high standards.

At the same time, the industry’s leading brands, such as Acepool, Actionpark Waterscapes, Baeza, Basecrete, BWT, Fluidra, Gresmanc, Hayward, Iber Coverpool, Iberspa, Mariner, Oxidine, Laghetto, Productos QP, Prominent, PS Pool, Quicesa, Renolit, Rosa Gres and SCP unveiled their main new products during the Forum, as well as taking part in several B2B meetings.

A successful call
The fourth edition of the Piscina & Wellness Forum, organised by Fira Barcelona and ASOFAP, the Spanish pool industry association, was held at COAM, the Architects’ Association of Madrid and attracted more than 450 professionals, including pool manufacturers, distributors and product installers, plus architects, engineers, designers, builders, public pool and sports facility managers, hotel and campsite managers, water park designers, wellness/spa/fitness professionals, among other profiles. Those attending were able to take part in 16 sessions, which included innovative product presentations, and round-table sessions with different experts, moderated by the Director of ASOFAP, Agustí Ferrer.

The Director of the Piscina & Wellness Barcelona show, Ángel Celorrio, toasted the success of the Forum, which returned to its in-person format after its last edition in 2020, held digitally due to the pandemic: “We are very pleased with the turnout in this edition, and it is worth highlighting the high-level professional profile of the attendees, the quality and quantity of the business meetings generated at the Forum, which is a testament that it is one of the key encounters to energise the industry commercially in the off years of the Piscina & Wellness Show at Fira Barcelona.” He added, “in fact, the exhibition area in this edition ended up selling out, which is a good reason to consider expanding it in the future.”

Awards for the best pools in Spain
The Forum was also the setting for the awarding of the Prizes for the Best Pools and Aquatic Facilities in Spain 2022, the most prestigious national awards in the industry held by ASOFAP, which recognised 21 winners in 7 categories.

Fira Barcelona and ASOFAP will once again come together at Piscina & Wellness Barcelona, the leading trade fair in Spain and the industry’s most international on the European trade fair calendar, where the entire pool product value chain for residential and public use will be on display, as well as installations, equipment and accessories related to wellness, spa, fitness and outdoor decoration, between 27 and 30 November 2023, at the Gran Via venue.

Barcelona, December 2022

Images of the Forum here

M.ª Gloria Dilluvio – María Dolores Herranz

Tel: 93 233 21 72 – 25 41

gdilluvio@firabarcelona.com / mdherranz@firabarcelona.com